This digital-only set from tiny Patriarch Records was originally released in October of 2009. Ordinarily, I wouldn't waste my time or yours with a digital re-release of a digital release that is only 2 years old. But "These Silent Nights" is the exception to the rule. This was such a fine collection of Indie Rock and Alt Rock, that I wouldn't want anyone to miss it...again. Because I suspect an awful lot of folks missed it the first time.

As noted, Patriarch is a tiny company on the Westside of New York City. Patriarch is also a green company; they don't like to make hard copy discs (though, occasionally, they do using recycled materials). So we'll likely never see a CD or vinyl LP of this collection. All of the music is really fine--every song here has it's Christmas charm. But, if for nothing else, "These Silent Nights" deserves your attention for the two incredible tracks from Kirsten Price. You may not know Kirsten's name (no, she's not the adult entertainment actress), but you've probably heard her voice. Kirsten's music has long been a favorite of television producers. You may hear a bit of Joss Stone or Macy Gray in Kirsten's voice, but she can more than hold her own in any head-to-head comparison. The musical power of a track like "Christmas In Brooklyn" is hard to match anywhere and "Today's The Day" is highly infectious. Kirsten's got it goin' on. I just hope we hear more Christmas music from her real soon. C'mon Kirsten, I'm sure Dick Wolf and David E. Kelley have Christmas episodes they need a soundtrack for. All kidding aside, check out Kirsten's non-seasonal material. I highly recommend "Guts and Garbage" and "Brixton to Brooklyn".

Released originally in November 2010, but only available through the Blue Note or as a digital download from iTunes, "Christmas From The Blue Note" gets the full roll-out this year. Like a lot of compilations, this one is a bit of a roller coaster ride, with high notes and lesser lights. But, overall, there's far more good than bad and I think that most Jazz fans will find this set sounds better with repeated listenings. For the low points, there are decidedly tracks where less would've been more--most especially the cacophony that is "Deck The Hall" featuring young bassist and vocal ingenue Kate Davis. That's just my opinion, of course; your mileage may vary. Likewise, a raucous and bluesy "O Holy Night" probably sounded better in theory. But the highlights are tremendous. Kate Davis shines on a beautiful "First Noel" and any album featuring a Christmas pairing of McCoy Tyner and Bela Fleck is worth checking out. Tracks by vibraphonist Stefon Harris and drummer Francisco Mela should also please most any jazz fan. Jazz can be subjective and I've no doubt some will find a "too hip for the room" pretentiousness here. But, after two or three listens, I came away with much more of a Jazz Club all out improvisational jam session feel. And, as we're talking about The Blue Note, here, I'd say that feels just about right.

PREviews

I don't know about you, but I want to see that cover art and I want to see that track list before I make my Christmas music purchasing decisions. The earlier the better. That's what we try to do for you here. We'll also try to give you a little background on the artist(s), in case they're new to you.